Longsa Village is celebrating the Tsüngremmung Festival 2025 from August 1 to 3, organized by the Longsa Village Council under the patronage of the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland. On the second day of the celebration, Aug 2, known as Yatimung, the festival featured G. Kaito Aye, Hon’ble Minister for PWD (R&B), Nagaland, as the Chief Guest;Imkong L. Imchen, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, as the Guest of Honour; and Imkongmar, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Nagaland, as the Honoured Guest.

In his address, G. Kaito Aye expressed his honour at being part of the Tsüngremmung Festival at Longsa Village—a festival of great cultural significance that, as was written in the booklet distributed, originated from Longsa itself and has since extended to other villages and communities. He noted that the festival is celebrated with sacred reverence in Longsa and appreciated the presence of people from diverse tribes, including the Sumi and Sangtam communities, and acknowledged the uniqueness of the festival.

He stated that such a gathering reflected true unity and cultural harmony. Unlike many places where even neighbouring communities struggle to come together, Longsa had successfully brought together various tribes—an achievement he described as truly commendable.

The minister emphasized that the celebration of Tsüngremmung is not only a reflection of unity within the village but also among the wider community. He remarked that festivals like this are crucial to develop togetherness and preserve cultural heritage. “On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, I want to assure you that we are actively pursuing solutions for the Nagas in the capacity of the state government. Speaking broadly, Naga issues require unity and collective effort—because only then can lasting solutions be achieved,” Aye stated. “Nagas often remain disunited on several important issues, and we do not know how to put out the spark once it is lit,” Aye said. He stressed that unity can still be achieved through the sharing and exchange of cultures and traditions. “We are not strangers to one another—we are one,” he said, underlining that such unity is essential for building a stronger and more cohesive Nagaland.

Responding to the memorandum submitted by the Longsa Village Council, he said it is an intermediate road and was funded by NEC. However, the NEC fund was not enough. He mentioned that he has further taken up the issue this financial year, but the government was not in a position to commit owing to its huge budget projection. However, he said, from the Dikhu River till Longsa, he will ask the government to commit to the road, while he said, for the time being; some maintenance will be done within his own resources.

He also acknowledged the demand for improvement of the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato road and informed that the state government had already submitted a proposal under the North Eastern Council (NEC), with a projected estimate of ₹200–300 crores. Although the amount is substantial, he assured the gathering that the project has not been abandoned and efforts are being made to push it forward.

The minister recalled that the road project was originally the brainchild of Alemtemshi Jamir, former chief secretary of Nagaland. However, he explained that due to limited state resources, such a project cannot be undertaken by the state government alone. He emphasized the need for a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is essential for the proposal to be considered and sanctioned by the central government. While routine maintenance is ongoing, he admitted that large-scale development projects often face funding challenges, resulting in delays.

Reiterating his support for the demands raised by the Longsa Village Council, he pledged to take them up with the government. He also highlighted the importance of community involvement in developmental activities and encouraged Project Implementation Units.

The minister also expressed his deep appreciation for the unity and prosperity of Longsa, stating that these qualities would always be remembered and valued. He urged the people not to forget the legacy of their elders, cautioning that disregarding their contributions could hinder future blessings.

He encouraged the community to continue celebrating the Tsüngremmung Festival, not just as a cultural tradition, but as a living expression of identity, unity, and harmony. He called for collective support and wisdom, emphasizing that development must progress hand-in-hand with the preservation of tradition and cultural values.

The Village Council, Longsa, has submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Minister of Public Works Department (R&B), Nagaland, during his visit to the village as part of the Tsüngremmung Festival 2025 celebrations. In their letter, the Council urgently appealed for the construction of a permanent RCC bridge over the Dikhu River and the blacktopping of the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato Road, describing both as critical lifelines for the region.

The Council stated that the existing Bailey bridge over the Dikhu River—constructed in the 1960s—has now reached a dangerously dilapidated state, well beyond the scope of human repairs. They cautioned that the bridge, which serves as a vital communication link between Tuensang district and the Surohuto–Aghunato ranges of Zunheboto district, could collapse at any time, posing a major threat to commuters and regional connectivity.

The Council further highlighted that the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato Road, which passes through their village, has been maintained over the years through the collective efforts and sacrifices of the villagers, in close coordination with the concerned department. However, they emphasized that the road is now in dire need of blacktopping and requires immediate government intervention to prevent further deterioration.

Underscoring the significance of the minister’s presence during the festival, the Village Council urged him to treat the matter as one of the highest priority and to sanction the necessary funds within the current financial year. They expressed hope that the visit of the Hon’ble Minister would not only strengthen cultural ties but also translate into tangible development outcomes for the people of the region.

Speeches were delivered by Imkong L. Imchen, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor, and Imkongmar, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor. Short speeches were also delivered by Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, and Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Nagaland.

Earlier during the program, Rongsenmongba Tatar, convenor of the Tourism Committee, delivered the welcome address, followed by the Significance of Tsüngremmung by Noklenrenba Tatar. The event also included a cultural presentation by the winners of the Cultural Competition.

Cultural showcases were presented by Sangpu Mepu, Longsadi Mepu, Imnasanger, Longsa Watsü Telen, MTLST, and cultural troupes from Tichipami Village (Sumi) and Chari Village (Sangtam). The program concluded with a word of acknowledgement delivered by Limaakum Tatar.

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